This week in West Orange County history: Aug. 3, 2023

OLD TIMES

90 years ago

Cameron Shipp was president, Pete Haimowitz was secretary, and L.A. Stevens was treasurer of the newly reorganized Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce.

50 years ago

John A. Terrell of Winter Garden was selected for Outstanding Young Men of America. He recently was elected president of the Jaycees of Florida.

Mrs. Wade (Jan) Bradford was guest of honor at a baby shower given at the home of Mrs. William (Jane) Fairchild.

In the Winter Garden City Tennis Tournament, Martha Teal defeated Jane Fulmer in the girls 12-and-under and Craig Perry defeated Randy Buttram in the boys 12-and-under. In the 14-and-under, it was Robyne Teal over Jennifer Powell and Paul Wiltse over Doug Knight.

45 years ago

The PGA Tournament that had been held for 13 years at the Rio Pinar Country Club was getting a name change in 1979. Formerly known as the Florida Citrus Open, the event officially became the Bay Hill Classic.

40 years ago

The Christian Service Center was getting ready to move its West Orange branch from the old ACL railroad depot in downtown Winter Garden to another convenient location at East Bay and First streets.

Jan Pratt, chair of the English Department at West Orange High School, was appointed to serve as a regional judge for the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards.

A scholarship fund was established in memory of Mrs. J.S. Kirton, longtime principal of Lakeview High School. Kirton, who died July 30, 1983, was a source of wisdom, love and discipline to countless students, many going to college as a result of her encouragement.

30 years ago

Betty Pounds of Windermere flew to Batesville, Arkansas, to attend a 50th reunion of Miss Arkansas winners. She was Miss Arkansas in 1940.

20 years ago

The city of Winter Garden was honored at the Florida Festival of Event Association’s 9th Annual Convention and received these awards: Best Newspaper Special Section and Best Commemorative Poster, both for the Centennial Celebration, and Best Commemorative Poster for Spring Fever in the Garden – Celebrating 100 Years.

Richard Nehrling, great-grandson of Henry Nehrling, wrote a letter to the editor praising the Orange County chairman and commissioners for their vote to fund the Palm Cottage Gardens project at Nehrling Gardens. He especially thanked Commissioner Teresa Jacobs for investing a great deal of time and energy into the preservation of these gardens. The West Orange Times was thanked for featuring the historic gardens and its unique history for decades.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

JULY 29, 1993

Watching movies is always a good choice for entertainment in the hot summer months, and West Orange County provided many options for viewing films on the big screen and in the comfort of one’s own home.

Several businesses advertised their movie selections in The West Orange Times, including two theaters, Orange Tree Cinema and Movies 12, as well as VHS video-rental shop, Movie Screen Video.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

Edward Rhodes Story at the age of 3, photographed on May 12, 1920. Ed was born into a citrus growing family that also produced the local newspaper in the early years of the 20th century. Thanks to a donation by the Story-Burch families, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves many century-old editions of The West Orange Times. The public is invited to read and research fascinating local history by making an appointment at (407) 656-3244.